Digital Gameport Interface:

Wiring Diagram:

Description:

The digital interface allows the control of 8 channels. The function is freely allocatable with a special joystick driver for PC.

Pro:
The design is easier than in the analogue Gameport interface. Free channel and function allocation, inversion of 8 channels at maximum.

Con:
The interface does not work with any DOS-games or DOS-simulators.
The interface does not work with a gameport to USB converter. It needs a driver and the operation of the gameport interface with interrupts.

Attention:
Because I don’t have developed any driver until now, I like to advice that this is just a study that should not be copied or distributed. It works with drivers from Ripmax (http://www.ripmax.com/home/drivers.htm).


Analogue Gameport Interface:

Wiring Diagram:

The hand-wired prototype does fit into a 15pol plug-housing. Nearby the finished adapter with printed board.

The gameport adapter does work with the following programs:

- Aerofly pro (original Dongle necessary)
- Aerofly V1.2x
- FMS 2.0 Beta 6 und 7
- Piccofly
- Easyfly
- Microsoft Flight Simulator
- Realflight G2 (not the Interlink Version)

The prototype was tested successfully with several radios (Graupner, Multiplex, Lexors, Futaba) and several computers.

Please understand that I can not guarantee that it will work with all PC’s or radios.

The processor ATINY12 translates the serial channel signal from the radio (PPM) into a 4 channel joystick control with one button. With a 4 channel radio the 4 axis will be allocated to one channel each. The button will be activated by full modulation of channel 3. With 5 or more channel radios the button is on channel 5. On request special allocations (channel inversion, 3axis and 2 buttons etc) can be realized.
By cascading of 2 ATINYs an extension to 8 channels is possible.

The processor digitizes the signal in 100 steps. On an analogue interface the channels 1-4 are allocated like this:

1 Aileron / Roll
2 Elevator / Nick
3 Throttle / Pitch
4 Rudder /Tail

By different wiring of the connections J1-J4 different allocations are possible.
Most programs also allow a free allocation of channels and functions.


Installation of the analogue adapter:

1. Windows:
Define a new joystick type in Windows (System Panel > Game options > add > custom > “Joystick with 4 axis and 1 button”, give it a name and click “OK”.

2. Calibration:
2.1 Fast and “non technical”:
Make a rough functional test with the complete adapter and connected radio in Windows. If the joystick-cross moves and also the other channels are reacting, the function of the button should also be tested. Therefore move channel 3 to “full”. Adjust the trimming of channel 3 in your radio until the “switch” in Window is lighted when the stick is reaching full amplitude.

After this calibrate the joystick with the calibration function of Windows. If anything is fine you can control FMS or other programs.

Most programs offer an additional calibration. This is not a substitute for the Windows calibration.

2.2 The “technical” version:
The centre position of the sticks is slightly different in different radios. Therefore all controls of the radios should be centred before starting the Windows calibration.

The ATINY outputs provide a PPM pulse of 1.15 to 1.2 ms with centred sticks. With ideal conditions the ATINY provides an average of 3.15V.

The radio should be calibrated, that on all 4 axis the centre position of the sticks gives 3.15V on the output. With full amplitude the voltage changes from 4.4V to 1.7V.
With this calibration proceed as mentioned under 2.1.
For other FET there are also other calibration voltages:
BS170 (gleiches Gehäuse wie BS107) 3.0V 
BSS123 (SMD FET) 2.85V 
BS128 (SMD FET) 2.55V 

3. Debugging:

- Check the 5V supply voltage
- Check with an oscilloscope it the PPM signal from the radio does reach the ATINY 
Input. Some radios do not have enough output power at the PPM signal (1.6Vss 
min.)
- Check the output voltage of the ATINY.
- Check the FET, maybe Drain and Source are inverted.


Purchase:

Pricing:
The ATINY (DIL8 housing) can be ordered from me.
ATINY12  1pcs.   8EUR   (can be used for analogue and digital interface)

Complete Gameport adapter (incl. cable and connector):
RCJOY   1pcs    30EUR.   (analogue and digital Interface)
+ 2.50 EUR shipping ( inside Germany)

Pre-payment to:
Aalener Volksbank 61490150  KNr 37346008
IBAN : DE31614901500037346008   BIE : GENODES1AAV

With your order please provide the following information:
- Type of FET that should be used
- If the adapter should be prepared for digital use
- Shipping address
- Payment method
- Connector type or your radio (3.5mm Jack, mono, stereo etc.)

Purchase at the moment only possible via email:
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ATTENTION:
ATINY are MOS components. This means they can be damaged by electrostatic discharge. The adapter should not be connected to the PC while it is running. ATINY are non-returnable.

There is no warranty for damages caused by this adapter.